Rob Garrett - The protagonist, a 16-year-old African American boy who enrolls at the prestigious, all-white Draper boarding school in Connecticut in the late 1950s. He is the first black student at the school and faces challenges navigating the predominantly white environment while grappling with his identity and aspirations.

Vinnie - An Italian-American student from New York who becomes Rob's closest friend at Draper. Vinnie faces discrimination and bullying from the other students due to his ethnicity and acne, ultimately being forced to move out of the dormitory.

Aunt Gwen - Rob's aunt who advises him to "keep to himself" initially at Draper until he understands the dynamics of the school.

Mr. Spencer - The dean of students at Draper who turns a blind eye to the mistreatment of Vinnie by the other students, reflecting the prejudices of the time.

The novel also features Rob's parents, a dentist and schoolteacher, as well as his friends from home who are involved in the Civil Rights movement. Characters like Malcolm X and Joe Louis, the famous boxer whose downfall serves as a cautionary tale for Rob, make appearances as well.